<p>As the air turns crisp and the fall color disappears here in the southern Appalachians, I’m reminded that the holiday season is just around the corner. For many of us, this is a busy time of year. A time full of shopping, social and family events, and stress. My wish for each of you is [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Dear HCH Members, Summer is quickly approaching, and with it The Gunmakers Fair at Kempton and our Annual Summer Reception. Both events promise to be full of fun and fellowship that I’m sure you will not want to miss. If you have been an HCH member for a while you probably know all the details, [&hellip;]</p>

As the first day of spring arrives, I am taking a moment to reflect on my new role as Guildmaster and the series of events that led me to this point. About fifteen years ago, I was casually surfing the internet looking for some inspiration for my budding powder-horn making hobby, when I stumbled across

<p>With the hustle and bustle of the holidays coming to a close, I look forward to settling into a slower schedule- who am I kidding!?! Winter shows start as early as January. One I personally plan to attend is the 18th Century Artisan show which will be held at the Carlisle Expo Center on Feb. [&hellip;]</p>

<p>I’m thankful we’re actually having spring-time in Pennsylvania this year! For the past few years it seemed to go straight from winter to summer!  I know summer is close at hand, and with that comes the excitement of the biggest event of the season- The Gunmakers Fair, now at the Kempton Fairgrounds in Kempton, Pennsylvania. [&hellip;]</p>

<p>As I write this a quarter inch of ice clings to the tree branches outside my window. A mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain falls from the sky. Winter is finally here. Luckily for me, I’m sitting in front of a crackling fire thinking of all the members of the Guild spread across the [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Fall is officially here and has brought hurricane season with it. I’ll be praying for all of our members that may experience bad weather this fall and winter- stay safe! As the summer and fall events are winding down, our thoughts turn to winter horn projects, next year’s activities and have no fear- planning for [&hellip;]</p>

<p>More about the Summer Reception at Kempton! Register NOW if you have not already! Join us at The Gunmakers’ Fair at Kempton. July 29-31, 2022 As the temperatures start to rise, thoughts of great summer activates start floating into our daydreams. After the disappointment of having to cancel the last two Summer Receptions, we are [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Summer events are now in full swing and the excitement is building for one of them in particular- The Gunmakers’ Fair at Kempton! We all were overjoyed when the news broke that The Gunmakers’ Fair would continue. This amazing event always brought so many people who love the longrifle culture together and it will continue [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Member&#8217;s must call the reservation desk to receive any discount. Do not use the online registration system. 814-946-1631 https://www.altoonagrandhotel.com/ &nbsp; It’s amazing when you see how much our Guild has grown and changed during such a difficult time in our country’s recent history. Our membership numbers have fallen off during the pandemic for various reasons, [&hellip;]</p>

<p>As I begin this, my last Guildmaster’s Message, I want to focus on an introduction to your new Guildmaster.  Welcome, Kris Polizzi!! The passing of the mantle of leadership to Kris comes with a feeling of pride and of love.  Love for this guild, and pride in that my choice as my successor was such [&hellip;]</p>

<p>It is with great anticipation that I write this because in only 2 days we will all hopefully be together at the Altoona Grand Hotel, celebrating our 25th Anniversary!!!  I can not think of a single meeting I have attended that filled me with such excitement except for maybe my first time at Ft. Roberdeau.  [&hellip;]</p>

<p>&nbsp; We as a Guild are grateful for the dedication of Kris Polizzi. She has spearheaded the effort to find a suitable location for the 2022 Annual Meeting and has met with success! Our thanks go out to Roland Cadle and Art DeCamp also. Please read the Update in Kris&#8217; own words below. John DeWald, [&hellip;]</p>

<p>HCH members, Take Notice!! Our 25th Anniversary is fast approaching which means another chance to put your hornworking skills to the test. The Guild Master&#8217;s Challenge is still in full effect. There is still time for you to craft an entry before March, 2022, in the spirit of the 18th century craftsmen of old. The [&hellip;]</p>

<p>This is a Special Announcement on Pre-Orders and Sponsorship of Bone Tipped and Banded Horns, Vol. II Please see Master Horner Art DeCamp&#8217;s message below&#8230; YMOHS, John DeWald Guildmaster Bone Tipped &amp; Banded Horns &#8211; Volume II Regional Characteristics of Professionally Made Powder Horns North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, [&hellip;]</p>

<p>The summer temps are starting to wane and it is evident fall will soon be here.  I continue to remain positive and am looking forward to March of 2022 and our 25th year celebration.  Shortly after the NMLRA Spring shoot in Indiana, I received an e-mail from Benjamin Quearry.  I am including an excerpt here [&hellip;]</p>

<p>To paraphrase my elders;  My how time flies. Seems like yesterday that we were all together at Carlisle and yet, here we are almost two years later still wondering the outcome of this pandemic.  I am looking forward to March of 2022 as we will finally, hopefully, be able to celebrate our 25th Anniversary.  In [&hellip;]</p>

<p>&#8220;It is with hesitation and sadness that I send notice of our decision to CANCEL the March 2021 Annual Meeting and 25th Anniversary celebration. I, along with our Ex-comm and committee members feel this is in the best interest of all of our membership due to current circumstances across our great nation and the restrictions [&hellip;]</p>

<p>This is a rare opportunity for the HCH to help The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association become compliant with a Federal mandate for compliant restroom facilities at the Walter Cline Range. This fundraiser will be a Joseph Bogle styled longrifle and accoutrements. The builders are lined-up for the rifle, but the project needs our Freeman [&hellip;]</p>

<p>To My Fellow Guild Members… Over the past several months we all have continued to see the COVID 19 issue grow.  As of the writing of this message, there are currently 19.7 million cases of the virus worldwide.  This has continued to bring about the cancellation of many re-enactment and market fair events that we [&hellip;]</p>